Ruler on Ice Ices Belmont

In the end, I was right about one thing: Shackleford could not go the distance. That was it.

Well, actually Animal Kingdom had incredibly bad luck. He clipped heels with Monzon at the start and almost lost his jockey (who lost his stirrups) and narrowly avoided a catastrophe. About three strides out of the gate, he was already out of the race. The fact that he finished sixth is a testament to this animal--he is the cream of the 3 year old crop, in my opinion.

Master of Hounds and Nehro were both in perfect striking position as they came into the final turn--they were both inside and about fifth and sixth. And then they both stopped. That incredibly long Belmont stretch, combined with the sloppy track got the better of both of them.

Actually it was the kind of race that you knew was gong to be won by a longshot, given the track conditions. And I think the fact that no one went off at 50 to 1 indicated that I was not the only one who was betting the long odds.

Too bad I didn't even notice Ruler on Ice--although those shocking pink and orange colors were hard to miss! Another Triple Crown series without a champion. As I have said before, it takes a once in a lifetime horse and we haven't seen him in over 30 years.

He may be running around in some paddock as a yearling or he may be learning the ropes at a two year old training facility. Hope springs eternal in the racing business. There's always next year.